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Hydrogen-centred process framework for the integrated valorisation of livestock and fisheries residues with biochar-based soil regeneration in coastal regions

Abstract: Coastal regions concentrate livestock and fisheries activities that generate large volumes of organic residues, often managed inadequately and contributing to nutrient loading, soil degradation, and marine pollution. At the same time, these territories face increasing pressure to decarbonise energy systems and restore degraded soils under climate change. This article proposes an integrated conceptual framework for the valorisation of livestock and fisheries residues through hydrogen-centred energy recovery and biochar-based soil regeneration, with a focus on coastal regions of Colombia. The framework integrates biological and thermochemical conversion pathways, including anaerobic digestion, fermentation, gasification, and pyrolysis, within a unified system boundary that treats organic residues as secondary resources rather than environmental liabilities. Hydrogen is a transitional energy carrier enabling near-term decarbonisation within decentralised residue valorisation systems, while biochar is positioned as a key co-product enabling long-term carbon stabilisation and soil regeneration. By linking material and energy flows at the territorial scale and accounting for governance constraints and environmental vulnerabilities, the framework highlights the potential of decentralised residue valorisation systems. These systems can reduce coastal pollution, enhance soil resilience, and contribute to climate mitigation in fragile ecosystems.

 Authorship: Piedrahita-Rodríguez S., Corredor-Muñoz L.S., Colmenares-Quintero J.C., Coz A., Colmenares-Quintero R.F.,

 Fuente: Processes, 2026, 14, 693

 Publisher: MDPI

 Year of publication: 2026

 No. of pages: 29

 Publication type: Article

 DOI: 10.3390/pr14040693

 ISSN: 2227-9717

 European project: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/EC/H2020/101007733/EU/Sustainable production of Cellulose-based products and additives to be used in SMEs and rural areas/CELISE/

Authorship

PIEDRAHITA-RODRÍGUEZ, SARA

CORREDOR-MUÑOZ, LAURA STEFANÍA

COLMENARES-QUINTERO, JUAN CARLOS

COLMENARES-QUINTERO, RAMÓN FERNANDO